There has been added support towards the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare from top vets across the world.

Members of the World Organisation for Animal Health decided that they would show their support for the Declaration. They voted in favour of the resolution to achieve worldwide acceptance of animal welfare as an important issue, and are calling on governments across the globe to show their support too.

The Declaration is supported by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).

Director General of WSPA, Peter Davies, said that "This move gives us added impetus and urgency to our aim to end animal cruelty. A Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare would have real, long-term impact on the welfare of billions of animals worldwide."

Globally there are around 600 million dogs and a similar number of cats, of which an estimated 80% are stray or unwanted.

The initiative for the Declaration is gaining momentum around the world, with more and more people realising its importance:

A global petition is close to achieving 500,000 signatures from members of the public all over the world.

Government authorities in Kenya, India, the Philippines, Costa Rica and the Czech Republic are officially backing the Declaration.

To sign the petition and to find out more about the Declaration visit Animals Matter